In the archive
Video and online audiences

Since 1996, household access to various media and communications devices has risen significantly. Internet access rose from just 4 per cent to 67 per cent in 2008, while the proportion of households with computers and with games consoles more than doubled (from 36 to 75 per cent and 16 to 35 per cent respectively). Mobile phone penetration increased from 24 to 80 per cent in 2007. As of 2008, 87 per cent of Australian households had a DVD player, up from 6 per cent in 2000.

Proportion of Australian households with

Computer1

Internet1

Mobile phone

Games console

DVD player

1996

36%

4%

24%

16%

n.a.

1997

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1998

44%

16%

44%

23%

n.a.

1999

47%

22%

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

2000

53%

32%

61%

32%

6%

2001

58%

42%

n.a.

n.a.

12%

2002

61%

46%

72%

32%

23%

2003

66%

53%

n.a.

n.a.

43%

2004

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

62%

2005

67%

56%

n.a.

32%

78%

2006

70%

60%

79%

33%

83%

2007

73%

64%

80%

n.a.

n.a.

2008

75%

67%

n.a.

35%

87%

Source: For all data from 1996 to 1998, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian Social Trends (cat no. 4102.0); from 1998 to 2002, ABS, Household Use of Information Technology (cat. no. 8146.0). For computer and internet data since 2002, ABS, Household Use of Information Technology (cat. no. 8146.0). For mobile phone data from 2006 to 2007, Australian Communications and Media Authority, ACMA Communications Report 2006–07. For games console data from 2005 to 2008, FreeTV Australia, Year in Review. For DVD data from 2003 to 2004, OzTAM Year in Review 2003 and Ratings Snapshot 2004; from 2005 to 2008, FreeTV Australia, Year in Review.

Notes:
n.a. Not available.
1. From 2004 data has been collected for financial years but is listed here under calendar years (eg 2004/05 is listed as 2005).

The Screen Guide

Find information about Australian productions, and co-productions with Australia, including key cast and creatives, duration, genre, co-production partners, international sales contacts, website links and more.